Holidays

Father’s Day is coming up in a few weeks. Like almost everyone else, I’m cautious with my spending right now. However, I don’t want to let the day pass unnoticed. It’s important to me to feel connected with my loved ones right now. Gifts are one of many ways to do that. Therefore, I’m thinking about inexpensive Father’s Day presents that I can put together myself.

1. Heartfelt Handwritten Letter

I realize that things like this can come off as cheesy suggestions. However, every single time that I’ve written a heartfelt letter to someone, they’ve treasured it. Every time that I’ve received a letter – or even a meaningful brief card – I’ve treasured it.

Therefore, cheesy or not, this is one of my go-to gifts when I don’t want to spend money. It costs the price of postage and the time to write it. Investing that time is what makes it so personal and touching. Honestly, this is probably my top choice among the inexpensive Father’s Day presents I’m considering this year.

2. Single Framed Photo

I love to give photo gifts to people. I think that they capture so much. Often, I make elaborate scrapbooks. For example, after a family trip, I’ll typically make scrapbooks for everyone. They include photos as well as quotes we said, tickets to things we went to, and so forth.

However, you don’t have to create such an elaborate scrapbook to have a good photo gift. Sometimes I’ll simply choose a really great photo, one that evokes a specific shared memory, and print that out as a gift. I’ll frame it or I’ll have it printed on canvas to make it a little bit more special than a simple print. By using an affordable frame and/or promo code discounts on photo gift printing, I’m able to spend very little while creating something meaningful.

If I decide to choose this from among the inexpensive Father’s Day presents that I’m considering, then I’ll probably use a photo from my dad’s visit here a couple of years ago.

3. A Song or Poem

My dad and I both enjoy writing. We have extremely different writing styles but we respect each other’s work. It might be fun to try to write a song or poem in his style for a change. Or to write a poetic response to something he’s written in the past.

4. Shared Journal with First Entry Complete

Years ago my siblings and I had a shared journal. I would write an entry, then mail the journal to one of them. They would write an entry and pass it along to the other. It might be fun to start something like this with my dad. It’s something that we could keep doing all year long. I have a bunch of blanket journals here already, so I wouldn’t have to spend anything on that. I could create the first entry and pop that in the mail before Father’s Day.

5. FaceTime Phone Call

This feels a little bit like a copout. It’s “just a phone call” after all. However, all too often, I don’t give quality time and attention to family phone calls. I try. But I get distracted during the call. Or I feel emotional or reactive or something less than idea. A really good phone call where I’m totally focused on making the other person’s day can be a really powerful thing. I have a feeling my dad would be quite content with this choice if it’s the route that I decide to go. After all, presence is the most powerful present of all.

May 25th, 2020 is Memorial Day. This is a federal holiday. Therefore, certain institutions and services will be closed. Are banks open on Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is a Bank Holiday

Memorial Day is one of the ten dates of the year that Americans consider a bank holiday. As the name suggests, banks are typically closed on bank holidays. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago lists Memorial Day as a bank holiday alongside these other nine bank holidays:

New Year’s Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Washington Day

Independence Day

Labor Day

Columbus Day

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Day

Many stores are open during bank holidays. For example, Walmart, Target, and Costco will all be open for Memorial Day 2020. However, banks and other federal businesses such as post offices, are generally closed.

Most, But Not All, Banks Close for Memorial Day

Since Memorial Day is a federal holiday and also a bank holiday, it’s no surprise that banks will be closed for Memorial Day 2020. If you need to do in-store banking, then you’ll want to get that taken care of before Memorial Day. Alternatively, you can wait until Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 when banks re-open with their normal hours.

Three Banks That Might Be Open on Memorial Day

That said, Banks.org says that there are three exceptions to the rule that banks are closed on Memorial Day. PNC Bank and SunTrust Bank both have in-supermarket branches that will be open on Memorial Day. Regular banks are closed but the smaller branches inside of stores may be open. Additionally, the site says that while US Bank is probably going to be closed, some of their locations will stay open for a short half-day on Memorial Day 2020. If you absolutely need to go to the bank on Memorial Day, call these three banking options to see if one is open near you.

Credit Unions Also Close for Memorial Day

Credit unions differ from banks. Nevertheless, they do typically follow the same bank holidays. Therefore, you can expect that your local credit union will be closed on Memorial Day 2020.

Banking Services That You Can Access on Memorial Day

These days, you can often do your banking without actually going in to a physical bank. That simplifies things for people who have to deal with certain transactions on Memorial Day. Even though the bank is closed, you can still go to the ATM, for example. You can deposit or withdraw cash and complete other ATM-based activities. Similarly, online and mobile banking don’t shut down for bank holidays. Therefore, you can pay bills and do other online banking on Memorial Day. Just remember that if you’re transferring money, the transfer might not go through immediately during a bank holiday such as Memorial Day.

In 2020, Memorial Day is Monday, May 25. It’s an official federal holiday, so government offices are almost universally closed. Additionally, while they aren’t required to, some retailers chose to close their doors on Memorial Day as well, giving their employees a day off. But others stay open, hosting exciting sales to entice shoppers. Since every retailer can choose what to do, there’s usually some confusion regarding what is or isn’t open on federal holidays. If you are wondering is Costco closed on Memorial Day 2020, here’s what you need to know.

Every holiday, people wonder if their favorite stores are going to be open. For example, they want to know if Target will be open so that they can pick up last minute Memorial Day supplies. Usually, the answer for Target is yes. But, considering the impact of COVID-19 restrictions, is that still true this year? Is Target closed on Memorial Day 2020?

Target Is Usually Open on Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a federal holiday. Therefore, certain things are always closed on Memorial Day. For example, schools and post offices don’t typically stay open on holidays like Memorial Day. But shopping stores are different. In fact, big stores like Target love to stay open on federal holidays.

After all, since many employees of those other places are off of work for the day, it means that there are more people potentially out shopping. Memorial Day and other similar holidays are huge shopping days. Stores, including Target, do usually stay open. Historically, Target has always been open on Memorial Day.

Will Target Be Open or Closed on Memorial Day 2020?

So, why would this year be any different? Well, even if you know that your local Target store is typically open on Memorial Day, you might wonder if COVID-19 restrictions have changed things this year. After all, some businesses aren’t open at all right now. In many states, there are big limitations on stores. So, is Target closed for Memorial Day 2020 even though it’s usually open for the holiday?

No, Target is not closed for Memorial Day 2020.

Target is open for Memorial Day 2020.

Memorial Day, which is Monday, May 25, 2020, could potentially be a great shopping day for people who need to pick up summer items.

Is There a Memorial Day Sale at Target?

Stores like Target often have big Memorial Day sales. After all, this holiday is basically considered the start of summer. Many people typically celebrate by having big summer bashes including barbecues and picnics in the park. While that would be a great way to spend Memorial Day 2020, a lot of us aren’t going to have that option.

Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, we are still under shelter-in-place restrictions. We are allowed out and about and can enjoy the parks. However, groups have to stay small and practice social distancing. So there is some opportunity to enjoy Memorial Day in the park but it won’t be the big to-do that it may have been for you in years past. Nevertheless, you might still wish to pick up some Memorial Day supplies.

Or you might have a new type of celebration in mind. For example, if you have kids at home, this can be the perfect day to start making summer crafts together. Or you might just want to make a summer-inspired meal. Since many Target stores have groceries in them (which is one of the reasons that it’s considered an essential business and thus is allowed to stay open during coronavirus restrictions), you can certainly do that at your local Target store.

With that in mind, you might want to know if there will be a 2020 Memorial Day Sale at Target. Yes and no. Target has a Memorial Day sale on Home items including up to 40% off of some furniture. However, the Target Memorial Day Sale is online only.

How Target Has Responded to Coronavirus

Target, like all other businesses, has had to adapt their stores in order to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions. While some people find this annoying, the purpose is to keep staff and customers safe. Target has made some great efforts in this area. In fact, they contributed their largest-ever single relief donation of $10 million in response to the coronavirus crisis.

But what are they doing specifically in the stores that you should be aware of if you plan to shop there on Memorial Day 202o? Target’s coronavirus response includes:

Target Store Hours: Memorial Day 2020

Target doesn’t typically change their store hours for the Memorial Day Holiday. Therefore, you can expect store hours to remain the same as they have been in recent weeks. However, remember that this may differ from store hours prior to the coronavirus outbreak.

Target responded to COVID-19 restrictions with two big changes to their hours:

All stores must close by 9 pm. Stores that previously closed before that time still close at their normal hours. Stores that closed later all close at 9 pm now.

The first opening hour on every Wednesday is for high-risk shoppers, including the elderly, only. This allows them to shop safely.

Of course, the Wednesday at-risk shopping hours don’t impact Memorial Day shoppers. After all, Memorial Day is always on a Monday.

The shortened store hours allow Target employees to re-stock the shelves and improve cleanliness, sanitization, and safety throughout the stores.

Other Coronavirus Measures at Target

Other than the hours, here are some of the things that you can expect to see at Target if you shop there on Memorial Day 2020:

Staff are wearing masks and gloves and following all CDC guidelines for hygiene

Customers are encouraged (and in some states required) to wear face masks

A staff member is assigned to each store entrance to keep carts and baskets sanitized

Checkout lanes are rotated to reduce traffic at each one and are cleaned between each customer

Plastic partitions have been installed at checkouts and in other areas of the store such as the pharmacy

Overhead audio messaging as well as monitoring by staff members helps remind customers to practice social distancing

Customers can no longer bring their own bags into the store for shopping

Customers can also take advantage of the option to order contactless Drive Up pickup. So, if you want to get some things from Target for Memorial Day, but you don’t want to risk shopping in store, then consider that option.

Are Other Target Services Open on Memorial Day 2020?

Like Walmart and other big stores, Target has multiple services within the shop. For example, you can go to the pharmacy, grab a coffee at Starbucks, and check out the electronics section. However, things are different with COVID-19 restrictions. The Starbucks stores are closed right now. Fitting rooms are also closed, so although you can buy clothes, you can’t try them on in store. You can always call to check with your local store to find out what is and isn’t available there for Memorial Day 2020.

Read More

If you’re wondering whether or not Target is open for Memorial Day, then you might have questions about some other stores and services as well. Here are some links to help you find all of the Memorial Day store information you need:

Monday, May 25, 2020, is Memorial Day, which some consider the unofficial start of summer. Since it’s a holiday, many businesses close, giving workers a day off to enjoy the warmer weather and spend the day doing fun activities, like throwing a celebratory barbecue. However, since not everything closes for Memorial Day, many people aren’t sure what will or won’t be open. If you are wondering whether you can head to the post office on Memorial Day, here’s what you need to know.

Is the Post Office Open on Memorial Day?

No, the post office isn’t open on Memorial Day. While the United States Postal Service (USPS) usually offers Monday service, they are a government agency. As a result, since Memorial Day is a federal holiday, they recognize it with a closure, giving postal workers a day off.

On Monday, May 25, 2020, mail delivery will not run. You won’t receive any letters, bills, flyers, or packages through USPS on the holiday.

Additionally, you won’t be able to handle any activities that require assistance from a post office employee. For example, if you check your post office box and have a package slip, you won’t be able to get assistance to retrieve the parcel. Similarly, if you need to mail a box and require help to get the proper postage, you won’t be able to do that on Memorial Day.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t accomplish anything at your local post office. If the building has an unsecured section, you may be able to check your post office box for mail, if you have one. Similarly, if there are self-service postage kiosks and mail drop boxes, you can purchase sufficient postage and drop off items. While they won’t be officially processed until Tuesday, May 26, they will be there when the employees return from the holiday.

Will the Post Office Open on Memorial Day Weekend?

If you need to get an item mailed or have other tasks to handle that require help from a post office employee, you may be wondering if you can take care of it during Memorial Day weekend. Depending on where you live, there is a chance you can.

Your local post office might be open on Saturday, May 23. If your location typically offers Saturday hours, then it will follow its usual Saturday schedule. But, if your post office closes on Saturday, then it won’t be open on May 23.

Post offices don’t generally open on Sundays, regardless of whether there is a Monday holiday. Sunday, May 24, 2020, will be no different.

It’s important to note that mail service will run on Saturday. You’ll still get your deliveries, even though it’s Memorial Day weekend, and your outgoing mail will still be picked up. Similarly, if your post office supports Sunday service (which is mainly for Amazon package deliveries), that will continue on Memorial Day weekend.

2020 Post Office Holidays

The post office usually follows the federal holiday schedule when it comes to closures. However, in 2020, there is one exception. Here’s a look at the official post office holidays for 2020:

New Year’s Day – Wednesday, January 1

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Monday, January 20

President’s Day (Washington’s Birthday) – Monday, February 17

Memorial Day – Monday, May 25

Independence Day – Saturday, July 3

Labor Day – Monday, September 7

Columbus Day – Monday, October 12

Veterans Day – Wednesday, November 11

Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 26

Christmas Day – Friday, December 25

In 2020, the post office holiday that differs from the federal one is July 4. This year, Independence Day falls on a Saturday, making that the legal holiday. However, since most government offices are closed on the weekend, the federal government is going to observe the holiday with closures on July 3, the Friday before.

But that adjustment doesn’t apply to the post office, mainly because the mail runs on Saturdays. As a result, post offices will be available on July 3, even though other government agencies won’t be open.

Are FedEx or UPS Open on Memorial Day?

USPS isn’t the only option for getting items shipped. As a result, you may be wondering, “Are FedEx or UPS open on Memorial Day?”

While these two shipping giants follow their own holiday schedules (and aren’t required to close on federal holidays), both UPS and FedEx will close on Memorial Day. The only exceptions are the FedEx Custom Critical and UPS Express Critical services. Those options operate every day of the year, including holidays.

Post Office Normal Business Hours

While not every post office follows the exact same schedule, most are very similar. Typically, a USPS location opens between 8:00 am and 8:30 am, Monday through Friday. Then, the post offices usually close between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

There are a few locations that deviate from that norm. For instance, certain Miami post offices open at 7:30 am and stay open until 9:00 pm or later, Monday through Friday.

When it comes to Saturday schedules, the differences can be quite dramatic. Many locations don’t open at all on Saturdays. Those that do welcome customers usually have reduced hours, in comparison to their Monday through Friday schedule.

In most cases, if you want to find out if your post office will be open, it’s best to check its schedule specifically. You can either contact the location or use the USPS website to find out when the services you need will be available.

Do you wish the Post Office was open on Memorial Day? Have you avoided going to the Post Office because of COVID-19? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Memorial Day is on Monday, May 25, for 2020. It’s an official federal holiday, and many members of the American workforce will have the day off. However, because government offices, banks, and other companies close for the holiday, figuring out what is open can be a challenge. Is the stock market open on Memorial Day? Here’s what you need to know before the holiday arrives.

Is the Stock Market Closed on Memorial Day?

While the NYSE and Nasdaq are usually open on Mondays, neither are open on Memorial Day. Additionally, since neither of the stock markets is open on weekends, they will also close on the Saturday (May 23) and Sunday (May 24) before Memorial Day.

If you need to handle stock-related transactions before Memorial Day, then Friday, May 22 is when you need to take care of them. On a good note, the NYSE and Nasdaq have their usual trading hours on the Friday before Memorial Day, so you don’t have to worry about an early closure interfering you’re your transactions.

On typical operating days – Monday through Friday – the NYSE starts the pre-opening session at 6:30 am ET. At 9:30 am ET, the official opening auction begins. The core trading session runs from 9:30 am ET through 4:00 pm ET. Between 4:00 pm ET and 8:00 pm ET, the late trading session is underway.

The Nasdaq has similar hours. The only difference is that pre-market trading starts at 4:00 am ET instead of 6:30 am ET.

If you don’t get everything handled on Friday, May 22, you’ll have to wait until Tuesday, May 26 to finish up your trades.

2019 U.S. Stock Market Holiday Schedule

The NYSE and Nasdaq follow the same holiday schedule. If one is closed for a holiday, so is the other. The only time when one of these markets will close while the other remains operational usually involves a technical issue that doesn’t impact both the NYSE and the Nasdaq.

July 3, Day Before Independence Day: NYSE & Nasdaq close early at 1:00 pm EDT

July 4, Independence Day: NYSE & Nasdaq are closed

September 7, Labor Day: NYSE & Nasdaq are closed

November 26, Thanksgiving: NYSE & Nasdaq are closed

November 27, Day After Thanksgiving: NYSE & Nasdaq close early at 1:00 pm EDT

December 24, Christmas Eve: NYSE & Nasdaq close early at 1:00 pm EDT

December 25, Christmas Day: NYSE & Nasdaq are closed

While the NYSE and Nasdaq close on most federal holidays, there are two where the stock markets are open. Neither market shuts down for Columbus Day or Veterans Day.

Additionally, while Good Friday is not a federal holiday, the stock markets are still closed. Some of the short days are also not on the government holiday calendar.

U.S. Bond Market Holiday Schedule

While SIFMA does close on many of the same holidays as the NYSE and Nasdaq, there are also a few others. Plus, early closures for the bond market aren’t at the same time.

Here is a look at the 2020 U.S. bond market holiday schedule:

January 1, New Year’s Day: SIFMA is closed

January 20, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: SIFMA is closed

February 17, Washington’s Birthday (President’s Day): SIFMA is closed

April 9, Day Before Good Friday: SIFMA closes early at 2:00 pm ET

April 10, Good Friday: SIFMA is closed

May 22, Friday Before Memorial Day Weekend:

May 25, Memorial Day: SIFMA is closed

July 3, Day Before Independence Day: SIFMA closes early at 2:00 pm ET

July 4, Independence Day: SIFMA is closed

September 7, Labor Day: SIFMA is closed

October 14, Columbus Day: SIFMA is closed

November 11, Veterans Day: SIFMA is closed

November 26, Thanksgiving: SIFMA is closed

November 27, Day After Thanksgiving: SIFMA closes early at 2:00 pm ET

December 24, Christmas Eve: SIFMA closes early at 2:00 pm ET

December 25, Christmas Day: SIFMA is closed

December 31, New Year’s Eve: SIFMA closes early at 2:00 pm ET

Overall, SIFMA closes more often than the NYSE, Nasdaq, and the federal government. Barring the days above, as well as weekends, SIFMA is open. The only exception is when an unexpected technical issue occurs.

Do International Stock Markets Follow the Same Holiday Schedules?

No, international stock markets do not follow the NYSE, Nasdaq, of SIFMA schedules. Instead, each one has its own schedule. However, some closure days do overlap.

For instance, the London Stock Exchange (LSE) also closes on New Year’s Day, Good Friday, and Christmas. However, there are several U.S. holidays where the LSE is open.

International stock markets can also close on days when the U.S. markets are open. Using the LSE as an example again, the LSE closes on Easter Monday, but the U.S. markets are open.

Do you ever wish the stock market was open on Memorial Day? Tell us why or why not in the comments below.